One Death in Legionnaires’ Case In Forest Hills

One person has passed away from contracting Legionnaires’ disease at Parker Towers in Forest Hills.

The case was one of two at Parker Towers that were reported to the city Department of Health within the past two months.

The city Department of Health (DOH) announced the two cases at Parker Towers located at 104-20 Queens Blvd, were diagnosed within two months of each other.

“This is not an outbreak,” said Julien Martinez, a spokesman for the DOH. One person recovered, and one elderly person with health conditions died,”

He explained that the disease hits the elderly hardest, especially if they have a compromised immune system.

The DOH is working with Parker Towers to test the building’s hot water plumbing system. The agency pointed out that the building does not have a cooling tower, a usual source for Legionella bacteria. The health department notes that the Legionella bacteria is found in water systems like indoor plumbing.

The DOH also recently found cases of Legionnaires’ disease in Rego Park and Lindenwood.

Martinez noted that Legionnaires’ disease , a type of pneumonia, “is not contagious and is easily treatable with antibiotics.”

He stated, “People only get sick by breathing in water vapor containing the bacteria. Adults with flu-like symptoms, fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek immediate medical attention.”